Abstract:
Today, in the context of social turmoil, step-by-step transformation is compatible
with the development and rhythm of civilisation. Buddhism is considered to be the
“present truth” of which the core and foundation are Ethics and Precepts. Any
organisation that wants existence and development for a long time must have the
rule to comply. If the society wants to be in a peaceful and prosperous state, it has
to establish some rules and regulations. In Buddhism too, if the order of the Sangha
needs to be long-lasting and prosperous, it is indispensable to lack rules. The rules
in Buddhism were called Vinaya. Practicing Buddhist precepts is a way of life that
brings peace and happiness to the followers. It highlights man's paramount
importance and proves that man is capable of achieving the ultimate moral value
(liberation) if he has enough will and self-effort. By practicing the right precepts
established by the Buddha, one could eliminate the defilements: greed (lobha),
hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha) that lead the beings to attain well-being and
finally be free from cosmic suffering. Vinaya helps practitioners to self-regulate their
behaviours, words, and thoughts, in order to establish the structure of a virtuous life,
which is the basic requirement of purification of the human mind. Vinaya contains
the morals that provide its followers the foundation for liberation from suffering by
cutting off all kinds of defilements. Therefore, the precepts play a very important
role in the practice of liberation. Just as the great ocean has only one taste- the taste
of salt, this Dharma-Vinaya too has only one taste- the taste of emancipation. With
the data collected from the primary and secondary sources along with explanations
and proof, this study aimed to clarify the practice of Buddhist precepts as the base
to purify the mind, with reference to the Buddhist Vinaya promulgation.
